Local recycling efforts get boost from the county

Local communities’ recycling programs have received a boost from the Anoka County Board.

The board, on the recommendation of its Waste Management and Energy Committee, approved funding July 24 for eight recycling projects totaling $245,557.94.

This is the second year that the county has used state local recycling development grant dollars to help cities enhance their recycling programs.

“This is a way to support local efforts to meet the county’s recycling goals,” said County Commissioner Jim Kordiak, chairman of the Waste Management and Energy Committee.

The money will be used to expand recycling materials, improve equipment, increase education and in a couple of cases, expand the local recycling centers, according to Kordiak.

Grant applications totaling $273,429 were submitted by eight communities and all were funded to some degree or other, with $50,000 being the maximum grant.

According to Carolyn Smith, county solid waste abatement specialist, matching funds were not required for applications under $50,000, but matching dollars from the municipality of 25 percent were required for an application over the $50,000 threshold, although in-kind staff and other expenses would be eligible as matching funds.

According to Smith, the primary goals of the program are to increase the amount of material recycled, enhance curbside recycling programs and provide recycling innovation and efficiency of drop-off recycling centers and recycling day events.